A 3 season tent is adequate year round unless you expect high winds and heavy snow. If you want to start camping in that, you should get a second tent. I carry an REI tent (I have a no-longer made 1 person and a Half Dome SL 2+, for solo vs with my wife). They're not the lightest (SL2+ is about 5 lbs), but they're bombproof and freestanding, so very easy to set up, and they're reasonably priced. The SL2+ lists for over $300, but if you wait for a sale, you're sure to find one under $300. The Nemo Aurora is similar, at a similar price point.
REI Half Dome SL held up great in a storm for me. sets up quick, fits 2-3 people easy. Nemo Dragonfly if you're backpacking. Marmot Tungsten if car camping and want cheaper. get a 3-person for you + dog + friend. test it at home first.
I have a variety of tents based in the situation I am camping in.
Backpacking -REI half dome 2SL
Car camping short trip - Ozark trail 6 person instant tent (used to have a core instant tent that was better quality. Started leaking on a trip after around 100 nights of use and did a quick replace at Walmart due to continued rain in the forecast. This is also the one I lend out to friends when needed.)
Car camping longer trip - Coleman 8person skydome
Car camping but walk in site of 1 mile or less Core 6 person dome tent with vestibule.
Honestly the half dome is clutch. I’m 5’10, my husband is 6’8/6’9. We use a SL 2+. Comfy enough with our two big sleeping pads. Sleep/comfort >>>> a little extra weight any day in our eyes.
Honestly the half dome is clutch. I’m 5’10, my husband is 6’8/6’9. We use a SL 2+. Comfy enough with our two big sleeping pads. Sleep/comfort >>>> a little extra weight any day in our eyes.
Honestly the half dome is clutch. I’m 5’10, my husband is 6’8/6’9. We use a SL 2+. Comfy enough with our two big sleeping pads. Sleep/comfort >>>> a little extra weight any day in our eyes.
Honestly the half dome is clutch. I’m 5’10, my husband is 6’8/6’9. We use a SL 2+. Comfy enough with our two big sleeping pads. Sleep/comfort >>>> a little extra weight any day in our eyes.
Honestly the half dome is clutch. I’m 5’10, my husband is 6’8/6’9. We use a SL 2+. Comfy enough with our two big sleeping pads. Sleep/comfort is worth a little extra weight any day in our eyes.
Honestly the half dome is clutch. I’m 5’10, my husband is 6’8/6’9. We use a SL 2+. Comfy enough with our two big sleeping pads. Sleep/comfort >>>> a little extra weight any day in our eyes.
Honestly the half dome is clutch. I’m 5’10, my husband is 6’8/6’9. We use a SL 2+. Comfy enough with our two big sleeping pads. Sleep/comfort >>>> a little extra weight any day in our eyes.
Honestly the half dome is clutch. I’m 5’10, my husband is 6’8/6’9. We use a SL 2+. Comfy enough with our two big sleeping pads. Sleep/comfort >>>> a little extra weight any day in our eyes.
I just bought my second rei half dome 2 person. My other one is still going, and I've had it for 10 plus years (I camp at least 50 nights a year). I've only had to get the poles restrung once.
Perfect size for one, plus gear, and my exped megamat. Stays warm in cold times, and great for stargazing on warm nights.
I love a 2 person tent for solo camping.
I bought a six person tent, and returned it. It was very cold/ too much air and too little body heat. Was also hard to set up.
I'm in love with my rei half dome tent+ exped megamat
I've had the tent for over ten years, and have had the poles restrung one time. Other than that, it is still going strong. I camping 20-40 times a year, so it is a sturdy little tent.
Much depends on your use. Are you driving out and camping in a campground? Basically car camping?
Do you hike in 15 miles, camp and hike out?
Do you use your tent just to sleep or do you hang out in it?
Do you share your tent?
It seems like it is just you and the dog and maybe one other person and it is out and back weekends at a campground.
For long trails, backpacking months at a time, Durston tents are good for one or two people. The Pro 2p is what I’ve owned in the past. The XMid has a good price point. The REI half dome has more interior room and is easier to set up.
For car camping and spending some time in the tent an Ozark Trails 4 person tent used for two is great (walked out to my garage to check ours). We got it at a garage sale but only use it for car camping bb
My current primary tent is for backpacking with my wife, months at a time. I love it but I would not recommend the Zpacks Trio for your use.
From what I can tell from your post weight doesn’t really matter. Interior comfort does. But without more none of us here can tell.
Finally, most online lists are trying to get you to buy so they can rake in affiliate marketing kickbacks. That results in confusing and scattershot reviews and advice.
Wish you luck.
Top Camping Tents on Reddit
1
The North Face
Wawona 6
86% positive of 132 users
Spacious vestibule, strong in storms, but rainfly tricky solo.
baddspellar
